How to Stay Warm on a Boat

For much of the country, the fall and winter months mean no more boating, but here in Florida, we don’t really have that problem! Aside from hurricane season, we’ve got pretty temperate weather, so biting cold windchills and freezing lakes aren’t an issue. But while the waters around the Keys may not get that brisk, you’ll certainly feel the chill if you head further out into the Gulf or the Atlantic. And if you’re heading north for a fishing trip with friends and family, you’re going to need to be prepared to deal with winter weather.

Jet Ski of Miami is proud to be your Florida boat dealership. Here are some tips for staying warm on a boat so that you’re prepared to go into the open ocean or keep up with your hardy northern friends and family in the cold!

Dress Accordingly

The best way to stay warm on a boat is to dress the part. This means wearing clothing in layers, rather than one thick overcoat atop your street clothes. Layers can be removed or added on as needed to improve your comfort, so you can bundle up on the water and remove outer layers when you reach land again. Thin, wicking layers made of wool or polyester are best as a base, over which you can put jeans or cargo pants, a fleece pullover or wool sweater, then your trusty waterproof and wind-resistant coat as the final layer.

Don’t forget about accessories for warmth, either! A neck gaiter or cowl or snug scarf will keep your neck warm, while a hat with earflaps will reduce heat loss from your head. Fingerless gloves or convertible mittens will keep your hands warm and let you use your fingers, while thick wool socks within waterproof boots will ensure that your feet stay dry and warm.

Pack Blankets

This is a pretty simple solution, but having some nice, thick blankets on board is an easy way to warm up. Wrap yourself up in a wool or fleece blanket while you’re chatting or sitting with your line in the water and keep blankets handy for your passengers to curl up under when it gets cold. Make sure that you’re washing the blankets regularly so that they don’t grow mold or mildew from moisture.

Add Insulation

You can add some insulation to the hull of your boat, just as your house has insulation within the walls. Insulating materials help to keep out cold and keep warm air inside, which is useful if your craft has an enclosed cabin. Talk to a professional if you need help adding insulation to your boat.

Purchase a Heater

Adding a small electric portable heater to your boat can be a great way to keep things toasty while conversing or waiting for the fish to bite. You should look for a marine-specific model that is stable enough to handle chop, and also has a killswitch that activates to shut down the unit if it’s tipped over. Make sure that your boat’s wiring can handle the voltage or else invest in a separate power supply for the heater, and keep it away from flammable items.

We hope this guide keeps you and your loved ones warm and toasty while you’re out in the cold. Still don’t have the perfect boat? Come see us at our dealership in Miami to take a look at our current stock of new and used boats for sale. Jet Ski of Miami welcomes all of our Florida customers, including those in Hialeah.